athensmusic.com

A few Friday diversions

Charlotte's Loaf talks a little bit about Turner South's "Music Road" here and they discuss former Athenians STS9 here.

AJC gives DBT's "A Blessing and a Curse" a B+.

Lake City share the Caledonia stage with Southern Bitch and Dexateens tonight. They're always on great bills. Here's a review of last month's Tasty World gig with Centro-matic and Great Lake Swimmers.

Built to Spill recently rescheduled their 40 Watt date, forcing us to wait until Oct. 14. A review of their latest "You in Reverse" here.

Dave Schools, Jerry Joseph, and Keller Williams recently collaborated in Denver. The Almost Acoustic show reviewed here.

Some music amid the cycling

Friday:
• Caledonia: Southern Bitch, The Dexateens, Lake City.
• DT's: The Holman Autry Band, Year of You.
• Eastwood Pub: Beaverdam Connection.
• Farm 255: Squat.
• Flicker: Craig Lieske & Danny Cottar, Go!
• 40 Watt: Modern Skirts, The Pendletons, The Explorers Club.
• Georgia Theatre: Disco Biscuits
• Go Bar: Psychic Hearts.
• Hot Corner Coffee: Brad Davis.
• JR's Baitshack: Dusty Rhodes.
• Last Call: Raspberry Beret, Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Guys, Mr. Greenleaf.
• Mercury Lounge: Set Theory.
• Safari: Petey Wheatstraw.
• Tasty World: The Redbelly Band, Walcott, All the Saints.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Nelo.

Saturday:
• Caledonia: Vicariously Through Cats, Malachi Dolls, Mouser.
• Farm 255: Classic City Breaks.
• Flicker: Kimberly Morgan & Betsy Franck, Adam Klein.
• 40 Watt: Masters of the Hemisphere, Je Suis France, The Wee Turtles, Bugs Eat Books, Crewsin' for a Brewsin'.
• Georgia Theatre: Disco Biscuits, Kid Beyond.
• Go Bar: The Ice Cream Socialists, The Walthall Tango.
• Hot Corner Coffee: Jon Black, David Owen.
• JR's Baitshack: Chris Anderson.
• Safari: Petey Wheatstraw.
• Tasty World: The Knife Trade, Community Chaos, Dirty Sanchez & the Pancho Villas, Dr. Hourai, Chop-Top, Thunder Chief.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Van Heineken.

DBT hits Billboard charts

The Truckers' "A Blessing and a Curse" debuted at No. 50 on the Billboard charts.

Jucifer signs with Relapse Records

From the Relapse Records Web site:

Relapse Records is proud to announce the signing of one of rock's most enigmatic duos JUCIFER.

"We are really looking forward to working with everyone at Relapse. It feels like everyone there is in it for the right reason - loving the hell out of music," comments JUCIFER frontwoman Amber Valentine. She continues; "It's cool to share a label with some bands we've become friends with over the years (like High on Fire, Dysrhythmia, Rwake, Mastodon, Buried Inside) and so many others we're looking forward to meeting and touring with."

JUCIFER’s forthcoming Relapse debut, "At the Hands Of Our Intercessors," features Valentine’s trademark sultry vocals layered over colossal guitars and drums (courtesy of Edward Livengood). "At the Hands Of our Intercessors" will see an early fall release via Relapse Records. Valentine explains, "We are ready! It's been a long wait for us to get our new record out, but worth it. We've whipped out a few of the songs on tour already, and can’t wait to play more!"

Expect to see the nomadic duo showcasing those new songs across the United States throughout the summer.

Bubba, Lake City, Explorers Club

Sparxxx ready to give back to the place where he was 'made': Women looking for a finer, more curvaceous booty to shake on the dance floor need only look for that white-boy, big-cheese of hip hop named Bubba Sparxxx. Come tonight at the Georgia Theatre, this Georgia guy with a football lineman's body and a backwoods snarl will belt out the hit song "Ms. New Booty" from his third album, "Charm." "It's the biggest record I've ever had," Sparxxx said in a recent telephone interview from his home in Suwannee. Full story.

Former Grand Fury members see Lake City: Songwriting, and the general art of bringing the rock, are not skills and gifts learned or obtained through simple osmosis. If only it were that easy. We'd fall asleep with "Blood on the Tracks" and "Who's Next" LPs under our pillows and wake up ready to offer the world thought-provoking lyrics, interesting chord progressions and something to pump a fist to. With wingman experience in bands fronted by the likes of Will Johnson (South San Gabriel), Don Chambers (GOAT) and Zachary Gresham (Summer Hymns), no doubt Lake City (Friday, Caledonia) frontman Matt Stossel benefits from the unconscious process of assimilation or absorption. Full story.

Charleston's The Explorers Club rides the wave of '60s psychedelia: If you missed the Beach Boys or the Zombies back in the 1960s and regret it, perhaps Charleston's The Explorers Club (40 Watt, Friday) can fill the void. Jason Brewer, guitarist and one of the band's singers, says the sound should appeal to fans of 1960s rock 'n' roll. Full story.

Gonna shake some 'Booty'

• Boar's Head: Absylom Rising.
• Caledonia: Tristan & Isolde, Cloak and Dagger Dating Service, The Murdered, Lazer/Wulf.
• DT's: Strawberry Nixon.
• Farm 255: The Whigs, Tina Garrido, Velveteen Pink.
• Flicker: Kenosha Kid.
• 40 Watt: Iron Hero, Engineering, Parade.
• Georgia Theatre: Bubba Sparxxx and the New South featuring Low Down & Duddy, 6-6 240, DJ Chris Chrisis, Tommy Valentine.
• JR's Baitshack: Zach Taylor.
• Last Call: Full Moon Fever, Matt Wink.
• Lunch Paper: Belly Ache, Casper & the Cookies, Lazer Attack, Sleepy Horses.
• Melting Point: J.B. Beverly and the Wayward Drifters.
• No Where Bar: Ralph Roddenbery.
• Tasty World: Angie Aparo & the Infidels, Nate Nelson.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Beyond Tomorrow.

Katrina benefit tonight at Ga Bar

From Jim Ethridge via Michelle Roche: A benefit concert, with all proceeds going to the Tipitina's Foundation, will be held at the Georgia Bar tonight with three solo acts.

Musicians CLAY LEVERETT (Lona, The Chasers), JESS FRANKLIN (Tishamingo) and JOSH STACK (formerly Cubanstack) have generously donated their time for this effort. Stack also happens to be one of the minds behind Panic Fans For Food, which organizes food drives at Widespread Panic concerts. Lucky for us, he is also a talented songwriter.

Each musician will perform an acoustic set with the music beginning at 10 p.m. The cost of admission is $5 and all the money will aid New Orleans musicians and music affected by Hurricane Katrina.

DBT, VIS and Mr. Hay

The Disco Biscuits have a two-night stand at the Georgia Theatre this weekend. This review of "The Wind at Four to Fly" is a good read.

The press cycle continues- Jambands.com reviews "A Blesing and A Curse" and so does Coke Machine Glow.

This Hope For Agoldensummer girlie-T can be yours for fifty cent! Thank you eBay.

In the Loaf: Venice is Sinking, Bob Hay & the Jolly Beggars, and a cool picture of Boulevard.

Getting over the hump

• Caledonia: Russian Spy Camera, The Reputation, Ghost Dad the Robot.
• DT's: Josh Pierce.
• Eastwood Pub: Buzz Clifford.
• Farm 255: Corinne West.
• Flicker: Slaid Cleaves.
• Georgia Theatre: Shinedown & Trapt, Halestorm, Mercy Fall.
• Tasty World (downstairs): Kamikaze Headband, Lazer/Wulf, Rick Brantley Band, The Leavers.
• Tasty World (upstairs): Broomfiller, Marsellus, Victor Charlie.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Milligan.

Ready, set, link

Mike Cooley interviewed by Dennis Cook of PopMatters here.

Checking in at Optical Atlas (the Elephant 6 blog) I came across so many intersting things. For instance, these 6 Questions with Zachary Gresham (Summer Hymns).

I read Athens Exchange every day (and link to them almost as much). Read reviews of the latest from Iron Hero and the DBT.

The latest from Elf Power reviewed here.

The Onion reviews "A Blessing and A Curse" here.

The ATH at Smilefest

Here's the official press release from the Smilefest folks. Several local folks slated to appear (see end of post):

DATES AND LINEUP ANNOUNCED FOR SMILEFEST 2006

June 2-4 @ The Gorges Music Park, Lake Toxaway, NC. Early bird tickets available now - priced at only $70 ($35 less than the gate price) available now at www.smilefest.com.

Smilefest, one of the Southeast's most respected eclectic music and camping festivals, is slated for June 2-4, 2006, at the Gorges Music Park, in Lake Toxaway, NC.  While more than 30 acts, representing the worlds of Bluegrass, Folk, Alt-Country, Jambands, World Music, Funk and Jazz, will appear at the 12th annual event, initial headliners include Keller Williams, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and Sam Bush. ...

In addition to a full bill of world-class musicians, appearing on three stages, Smilefest 2006 will also include a robust Kids' Universe, diverse culinary offerings, a wide array of high-quality vendor merchandise, scenic waterfall exploration, beautiful hiking and biking trails, and free rustic camping.  This year will also see the return of Smilefest's Festi-VOL Village, an interactive exhibit area where attendees will be introduced to worthy non-profit groups they can serve in their own communities once they return home.

Long known for going above and beyond to meticulously cater to the needs of artists and patrons alike, Smilefest's organizers have entered into a long-term partnership with Gorges Music Park to fully develop the site into a premier camping and performance venue. According to Event Director Bob Robertson, "For twelve years now, we've always listened to our crowd and tried our best to provide the features, activities and creature comforts they find lacking at other festival sites.  To me, that's what really sets us apart, treating our attendees like family.  So we're absolutely thrilled to team with the forward-thinking owners at GMP to work from the ground up to eventually build in all the amenities our folks deserve."

While the physical move to GMP provides significantly more room for festival activities, Robertson points out that Smilefest's attractively intimate size will not quickly change.  "Honestly, we'd more than likely be able to fit a ton of extra folks in this year, but we're not going to.  Our people are used to our roomy camping areas and the ability to get close to their favorite artists.  And that's the way we're going to keep it for them," he says.

To encourage earlier ticket purchases, and to promote the support of live music outside its festival gates, Smilefest has again partnered with several premier North Carolina entertainment venues to re-launch its highly successful "Free Admission Night" series.  Through this program, attendees of selected pre-festival club appearances by Smilefest acts, who choose to purchase a full-weekend ticket on-site, will receive an immediate refund of that night's cover charge.

A limited number of deeply discounted Early Bird tickets, priced at only $70 ($35 less than the gate price), are available on the Smilefest website, www.smilefest.com, while supplies last.  But as soon as that small block is sold, prices will jump, so patronsare encouraged to move quickly to take advantage of the savings.  Visitors to the website can also find information related to performers, remote ticket outlets, "Free Admission Night" scheduling and camping (tent, vehicle and RV).

Smilefest Artists from Athens:

Dubconscious
Dubconscious takes the universally loved sound of reggae and blends it into a progressive, unique style that bends the knees, tickles the ear and broaden the listener's idea of modern music. Few current reggae acts bring such a wide spectrum of music lovers. Dubconscious has many influences including King Tubby, Lee Perry, Burning Spear, The Abyssinians, Ernest Ranglin, Augustus Pablo, The Gladiators, and The Upsetters to name a few.
Dubconscious is striving to be a part
of reggae music's evolution, while leaving their own mark on the genre.

Ralph Roddenbery
Ralph Roddenbery has floated somewhere just below the radar of the Atlanta music scene for the past few years. Only the most aggressive Georgians, those constantly "searching for the sound," have been aware of Ralph's magnetic stage presence, but festival-goers from Florida to the Carolinas are now enjoying this troubadour's stylings. Ralph's live sets maintain a hauntingly touching vibe, even when addressing more difficult or painful topics. Through songs that focus on friendship, love, life, trust, honesty, and hopefulness and how we shouldn't take these vital intangibles for granted.

Packway Handle Band
Originating in Athens, Georgia in 2001, the Packway Handle Band is a solid and innovative bluegrass quintet. The band.s appeal lies rooted in tight three- and four-part vocal harmonies, extensive and progressive original material, off-the-wall covers, and energetic performance dynamics around two tightly spaced condenser mics. Fans of the band include bluegrass traditionalists and those who say they usually don't like bluegrass.

Dromedary Quartet
This exploratory Athens unit dynamically weaves its way in and out of traditional ethnic string band textures (including Appalachian, Andean, Turkish, Flamenco, Fado, Klezmer) with all the fluidity and spontaneity of jazz. Adding bass and drum to the original Dromedary duo, Dromedary Quartet.s performances are globetrotting, daring and imaginative. As Creative Loafing (ATL) wrote, "Their compositional craft approaches flawlessness. Dromedary brings togetherpre-existing traditions to create something unique - a world music style that's unapologetically American."

The Winter Sounds

The Winter Sounds checks in with A Postcard from the Road:

The Winter Sounds went to Ground Zero in Spartanburg to open up for Unknown Hinson. If you haven't seen Unknown Hinson he is one of the absolute coolest performers out there. He's very funny live. Our guitarist Tim Lilly yelled out during the show that Unknown was a sick guitarist. Except Unknown Hinson kept asking Tim if he said he was "sick" leaving out the guitarist part. Unknown stopped the song and had his manservant bring him his "gun" which is a cap gun that he keeps in a really small coffin.

Unknown then shot Tim. It was pretty funny. Afterwards the band posed with him. Unknown is playing at Tasty World too on May 27th. It really is one of the funniest and most interesting stories of a country music star. Anyway, you should really look him up.

From left to right in the photo: Tim Lilly, Jeremy King Cole, Joseph Kass, Unknown Hinson, Gina Asalon, and Patrick Keenan.

A quiet Tuesday night

• Farm 255: Tuesday night jazz.
• Aromas: Rand Lines & Preston Smith.
• Kingpins: Jim Sherman.
• Tasty World: Tamara Burch Project, Todd McBride & the Cooler Heads, Julie Schoenning.

Summer Hymns, WUOG compilation

Summer sustenance: Zachary Gresham's penchant for composing some of the most accessible and endearing pop music ever to be buried alive in a fuzzy psychedelic haze has taken shape in his band Summer Hymns (playing at Clicker on Friday). Accompanied by bassist Chris Riser and fellow founding member drummer Philip Brown in a slimmed-down-yet-muscular three-piece, Gresham has guided the group through a handful of critically acclaimed albums, wholesale lineup changes and the occasional tour from sea to shining sea. Full story.

WUOG's 'Live in the Lobby' releases CD: The University of Georgia's student-run radio station, WUOG-FM 90.5, is releasing the third CD of music performed by local bands on the station's long-running live music show "Live in the Lobby." Don Chambers and Goat, Hope For Agoldensummer, Coulier and 13 more acts appear on the album's 17 tracks. Full story.

A lot of rockin' going on

• Caledonia: Cinemechanica, Blame Game, Lay Down Mains.
• DT's: Leru, With the Sun.
• Farm 255: Bob Hay & the Jolly Beggars.
• Flicker: Sean Arington, Stephen Simmons.
• 40 Watt: Bloodkin.
• Georgia Theatre: Miranda Lambert, Eric Church.
• Last Call: Cosmic Charlie, Shady Boys.
• Little Kings: Col. Knowledge & the Lickety Splits, Telenovela.
• Lunch Paper: The Black Wings, The Vinyl Strangers, The Winter Sounds.
• Melting Point: The Blackmon Brothers.
• No Where Bar: Little Green Chairs.
• Tasty World (downstairs): Guff, The Carry-Ons, Stuck Lucky, Dirty Sanchez & the Pancho Villas.
• Tasty World (upstairs): Spencer Frye Explosion.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Beyond Tomorrow.

Mid-week linkin' to pass the time

Back to the blog belonging to rock journalist Jesse Jarnow for his thoughts on R.E.M.'s post-"Automatic For the People" output.

Black Crowes and Drive-By Truckers touring together.

That record DBT released yesterday gets reviewed USA Today, Pitchfork and Paste.

Roll up to Little Kings tomorrow to pick up a free copy (and celebrate the release) of WUOG's "Live in the Lobby" compilation CD. More info here.

Check out the Summer Hymns on mySpace and hear "14 Inches of Snow," a previously unreleased track. The band plays an early show Friday at the Flicker.

Disco Biscuits will shake and bake at the Georgia Theatre Friday, April 28, and Saturday, April 29. For a review of their latest album we turn to Glide Magazine.

Human Right Fest releases schedule

The Athens Human Rights Festival has released its list of performers for this year's downtown gathering on May 6 and 7. A lot of familiar names here:

Saturday, May 6:
3:45 - Tommy Jordan and String Theory
4:30 - Art Rosenbaum
5:15 - Leslie Helpert
6:00 - Bearfoot Hookers
6:45 - Polemic
7:45 - eLeMeN.O.P
8:30 - Music Hates You
9:15 - Diva Experience
10:15- Dubconscious

Sunday, May 7:
2:00 - Bob Hay & the Jolly Beggars
2:45 - St. Eel
3:30 - Rhabdophobic - Battle of the Bands Adult Category Winner
4:15 - Waxwing Trio
5:00 - Tim Conley
6:00 - Sursie
6:45 - Strawberry Flats
7:30 - Ralph Roddenbery Band
8:15 - Bling the Children Back Home

Rockin' on a Wenzdee

• Caledonia: Sleepy Horses, Timeout Drawer, Welterweight.
• Farm 255: Natalie Dickerson Jazz Quintet.
• Flicker: Michelle Hutchings.
• 40 Watt: Needtobreathe, Georgia, Corey Crowder.
• Georgia Theatre: Sister Hazel, Ingram Hill.
• The Ritz: Satisfaction.
• Tasty World (downstairs): The Shut Ups, Commander Chameleon, Engine No. 9.
• Tasty World (upstairs): Thunder King, The Bleeding Alarm, Six.

Getting tagged

In honor of today's big release! It was either this or a tattoo.

Summer tour announced

Panic just announced their summer tour dates: 35 shows in 21 cities (several multiple night runs) taking them mostly out West with a few Midwest shows thrown in. The closest to home would be Memphis, TN, on July 28 and 29.

Bring on that pedal steel

• Caledonia: Big Gray, Meredith Bragg.
• Georgia Theatre: Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Heartless Bastards.
• Little Kings: Jim Sherman.
• Tasty World: More Than Conquerors, The Oracle, The Enders, Silas.

They say you want a revolution...

If you're into O.A.R., the Banner-Herald has a story today about the band as a preview for tonight's show at the Classic Center.

The weekend finally comes

Friday:
• Boar's Head: Justin Brogdon.
• Caledonia: Contraband, Rump Posse, Ho-ag.
• Classic Center: O.A.R., Army of Me.
• DT's: Cloak & Dagger Dating Service.
• Eastwood Pub: Southern Soul.
• 40 Watt: Venice Is Sinking, Ginger Envelope, Big Gray and the Jones Country Boys.
• Georgia Theatre: Zac Brown Band, Cadillac Jones, Sonia Leigh.
• Hot Corner Coffee: Brett Schieber.
• JR's Baitshack: Josh Taylor Band.
• Last Call: Suburban Camoflauge, Hybrid L, Cinjed, Lakeside.
• Mercury Lounge: Gabriel Kelley Band.
• Nuci's Space: Kimberly Morgan & the Everloving Band, Betsy Franck & the Bare Knuckle Band, Brian Connell & the Dickens.
• The Ritz: Dark Horse, Eraphym.
• Tasty World (downstairs): High River Band, The Apostles, Bishop Don.
• Tasty World (upstairs): The Ice Cream Socialists, Freeze Tag, Telenovela.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Smashing Pumpkins Cover Band.

Saturday:
• Caledonia: Producto, Textual, Fun Killer.
• DT's: Spin the Fly, Strawberry Flats, The Waterstone Band.
• Eastwood Pub: Trans-Fatty Playboys.
• Farm 255: Classic City Breaks.
• Flicker: Rising Appalachia.
• 40 Watt: Elf Power, Still Small Voice & the Joyful Noise.
• Georgia Theatre: Packway Handle Band, Bling the Children Back Home, Short Road Home.
• Hot Corner Coffee: Dylan Knight.
• Little Kings: Bunnygrunt, Cars Can Be Blue, Russian Spy Camera, Zumm Zumm.
• Melting Point: Adam McKnight, VOA Choir.
• Mercury Lounge: Dave D'Angelo Jazz Group.
• Tasty World: Kalen Nash, Trances Arc, Xtra Medium, Fifty-Four.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: The Alternatives.

DBT on Turner South tonight, etc.

The Truckers are on a roll. The tricks up their sleeve leading up to the release of "A Blessing and a Curse" are rivaling that of the really big acts. Here's the latest from Jenn in the DBT camp:

Hey everyone! Well, the band's European tour is over; they've touched down back in the U.S. - and now the countdown to the U.S. release of A Blessing and a Curse has begun. Thanks to that, I have a lot of nifty stuff for you guys to check out.

Firstly and bestly, we've got two ways for you to pre-order the album and get something cool. Check out the home page of the (new and improved, thank you) DBT website to see what's up there. Pre-ordering helps the band and helps you get the music in your hands faster. You can win a date with the band, or get a free bonus disc from certain independant music retailers that has 4 unreleased tracks on it! Pre-order now to take advantage of these specials.

Secondly, remember when DBT recorded a short concert at the 40 Watt for Turner South's Music Road? Well, it's coming on tonight so get your popcorn and your six pack and watch: http://www.turnersouth.com/network/shows/music-road/

Music Road on Turner South
Drive By Truckers
April 13 @ 10pm/ET
Series Premiere!
One of the South's most cherished live acts kicks off Turner South's brand new show. ...

If you miss that, there's a rebroadcasting on Apr 26, 2006 @ 1:50 AM... stay up late!

Third thing is, the talented Curt Kirkwood is joining the DBT and Son Volt on their upcoming West Coast Tour. My very first rock and roll t-shirt that I bought with my own milk money was a Meat Puppets shirt, and while at 13 I didn't really get it, I sure get it now. Can't wait to hear this legendary man's panoptic solo music now that he's joined the tour.

Also coming from NW is a lot of other cool stuff, like a sweet media player that plays the whole album (in Flash or Quicktime) that you can imbed into your site, a MySpace banner, and more - check it all out here.

Well that wraps it for me. I hope y'all have a great week and the band hopes to see you all on the road next month.

Elf Power, Venice releasing new CDs

Lots of music stuff in today's Marquee:

Elf Power unleashes folky orchestrations on new CD: Elf Power knows how to put out an album. The band's new record, "Back to the Web," will be released April 25, but at the album-release show Saturday (40 Watt), fans will have two chances to hear the new songs. First, the album will be available for purchase, so anyone who wants to get ahead of the curve can grab a copy. Second, the band will perform the album, from beginning to end, to start off the show. Andrew Reiger, Elf Power's guitarist and vocalist, says the band will play older songs later in the set, but the show will focus on the new record. Reiger says the new record has a slightly different sound from 2004's "Walking With the Beggar Boys" and earlier works. Full story.

Also:

Venice Is Sinking celebrates release of 'Sorry About the Flowers': When Karolyn Troupe graduated from high school in Houston, she sought a move to Athens for two reasons - she was interested in studying biochemistry and she wanted to start a band. "It was definitely a mixture of academics and music that brought me here," says Troupe, who sings and plays violin, viola and flute for Venice Is Sinking. The band celebrates the completion of its first album, "Sorry About The Flowers," at a CD release party on Friday at the 40 Watt. Full story.

Ivan Neville and his band of New Orleans musicians make their way to Athens: 'Dumpstaphunk" is a visual name for a visual musical group. Imagine a "new school" version of The Meters merging with Sly & The Family Stone. "Twist it around a bunch of times and throw it in the Dumpster, and it comes out what we do," says keyboard player and vocalist Ivan Neville. "It's straight-out funk music. It's the kind of music that you can't help but move your body a little bit, ya know?" They're playing at the 40 Watt tonight. Full story.

Atlanta musicians Leah and Chloe Smith offer front porch soul creations: Looking back over their short history, it is not too surprising Leah and Chloe Smith are playing in a band. It just took them a while to get comfortable with the idea. The sisters have been playing music for many years, and their first CD, the self-titled "Rising Appalachia," was released as a "musical journal" last year. The sisters only formalized being in a band in December and they will perform for the first time in Athens Saturday at Flicker. Full story.

And Elf Power frontman Andrew Reiger reveals what he has on his CD player.

Cinemechanica, Buck, DBT

Pitchfork needs Athens bands or they would be so wanting for content. Read reviews of the latest releases from Cinemechanica here and Bubba Sparxxx here.

A PopMatters scribe discusses the Drive-By Truckers performance and the merits of nitrous oxide in his Langerado round-up.

One last look at SXSW -- that's the title of this recent recap from Jambase. Look for a few words about Of Montreal and formerlocals Mendoza Line.

Paste has the skinny on "another R.E.M. side project."

DBT in the Loaf.

What revolution?

I thought this was (absurd) interesting. The well-dressed jamband OAR (Of a Revolution) makes a Classic Center stop this Friday night. No, I won't tear into the band for commanding $25 and opening the doors at 7 p.m. I will, however, point out the fact that Major League Baseball and Playstation are sponsoring the tour. Borrowing the vernacular of the kids on the Internets, WTF?

Here's a snippet from a recent interview with a well-spoken band member:

"So," the bio interviewer concludes. "Is there any last thought you'd like to share about Stories of a Stranger?" Marc Roberge doesn't hesitate. "I feel more militant and pumped up than ever before," the O.A.R. songwriter and frontman insists. "It's critical to include that ..." (Done.)

"I know I come off to some folks as arrogant about this band, but it's not that. I'm proud of O.A.R. This is our coming-out party. We've reached the first step on the ladder of where we want to be." The urgency in his voice - a little hoarse and gravelly over the phone, assertive and electric with emotion throughout "Stories of a Stranger" - can't be missed as he adds, "That's important to include, too."

Show Boulevard some love

This plea for help just in, from Boulevard:

If you have ten seconds, we could really use your help: Boulevard has been selected as a semi-finalist in the Zig Zag/CMJ Spring Tour 2006 contest for the New York region. The winner of this competition will get to play a showcase in New York City opening for Art Brut, The Ponys or some other indie darlings. The winner will also get the chance to play at the CMJ Music Marathon in October. The band with the most votes wins. It's easy! To vote, go to: www.zigzaglive.com click on 'vote for bands' Then click on "Vote in NEW YORK" (New York - this is very important) Then you'll enter your e-mail address. Click on the box next to Boulevard and then submit your vote. This would be an extraordinary opportunity for us. It only takes ten seconds to vote! And you can vote once EVERY DAY starting now until April 23rd. Thanks again for all your love and support. We'll see you soon, Benji, Donovan, Stephen, Holden and Robert!

From the phunk to the bluegrass

• Boar's Head: Liquid Sundrop.
• Caledonia: Andrew Nelson + the Shotgun Lovers, Electa Villain.
• DT's: Nelo, Rude Buddha.
• Flicker: Lindsay Rae Spurlock.
• 40 Watt: Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Rhythm Token.
• Georgia Theatre: Moonshine Still, New Monsoon.
• JR's Baitshack: John Thrasher and Zach Taylor.
• Last Call: Brantley Gilbert, Greyson Hill.
• Little Kings: Venice Is Sinking.
• Lunch Paper: Languis.
• Melting Point: 16 Tons.
• No Where Bar: Rick Williams Blues Olympics.
• The Ritz: The 17th Floor.
• Tasty World: Ocean Street, Mayberry, Dark Horse.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Beyond Tomorrow.

Some rock, some word, some thrash

• Caledonia: Mother Jackson, Enter: The Panda.
• DT's: Josh Pierce.
• Farm 255: Hoots & the Hellmouth.
• Flicker: Too Fat to Scratch.
• 40 Watt: Athens Boys Choir, Grand Finale, Rorshak.
• Georgia Theatre: Larry & Jenny Keel, Vince Herman.
• Last Call: Resurgence, Threshold.
• Tasty World (downstairs): Municipal Waste, American Cheeseburger, The Dumps, Baroness, Cobra Clutch.
• Tasty World (upstairs): IKON.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Milligan.

Listen to 'Blessing and a Curse'

If you'd like to listen to the Truckers' upcoming release, "A Blessing and a Curse," here are a coupld options for you:

• Flash player with interactive features and embed code


• Quicktime player with bonus info

Rap away the night

• Georgia Theatre: Tommy Valentine, Ishues, Big Earl, The Renegadez, Bad Kat, Blackrose Dynasty.
• Lunch Paper: Commanche, Ninja Gun, Sir Prize Fighter.
• Tasty World (downstairs): Sonar, Bliss, Brennan Johnson, Martians See Red.
• Tasty World (upstairs): applePaul.

Panic offering up some goodies

Widespread Panic's new album "Earth to America" will be released June 13, but the band has some surprises in store. Preorder from Widespread Merchandise or download from livewidespreadpanic.com by June 13 and receive six bundles of bonus download items. On the first Tuesday of the month for the next six months, those who pre-order will have access to such tasty bits as home video from the recording at Compass Point (available now), exclusive band interviews, unreleased concert footage, artwork and other stuff.

In other Panic news, as you might know the band is not doing a tour this spring, but instead concentrating on a couple of special shows, including a two-night run at The Fox in Atlanta May 8 and 9. The show on May 9 will be simulcast in LIVE HD, via satellite, exclusively into select movie theatres nationwide. In Athens, you'll be able to catch the show at the Beechwood Stadium Cinemas on Alps Road. Tickets will be available April 12 at the theatre box office. Tickets are $15 each and are available for purchase with cash only. There is a six-ticket limit per transaction.

More info on all this is at the band's Web site.

Bubba returns

Big news from Troy at Nomad:

Thursday April 27th, 2006
Nomad Artists presents the hometown return of BUBBA SPARXXX
Georgia Theatre; doors @ 9 p.m., show @ 10 p.m.; 18 & up; $15.00 advance, $20.00 at the door.

"As in ‘third time is the charm,’" Bubba Sparxxx explains the significance of the title of his newest album "The Charm," due on fellow Southern rapper Big Boi’s new imprint with Virgin Records, Purple Ribbon Records. Born Warren Anderson Mathis in the small mill town of LaGrange, Georgia, Bubba Sparxxx burst onto the scene in 2001 wearing overalls and driving a tractor in the video for "Ugly," the Timbaland-produced frenetic hit single from Bubba’s gold-selling debut "Dark Days, Bright Nights." His sophomore album, "Deliverance," was a highly introspective look at life in rural America that perfectly married country and hip-hop. Joining Big Boi on his new Purple Ribbon Records label for his third album, The Charm displays impressive lyrical content, a new understanding of the business, and the excitement of having a new label behind him.

About time the weekend got here

Friday:
• Caledonia: Boulevard, Engineering.
• DT's: Paris Luna, Renegade Sound System, The Waterstone Band.
• Eastwood Pub: Carla LeFever & the Rays, With the Sun.
• Farm 255: Scott Leon-O'Day Quartet.
• Flicker: Justin Evans, Little Country Giants.
• 40 Watt: Lona, Dark Meat, Dead Elephant Bicycle.
• Georgia Theatre: Perpetual Groove.
• JR's Baitshack: The Spencer Frye Explosion.
• Last Call: Two Step, Charles Kelly.
• Melting Point: Kevn Kinney's Sun Tangled Angel Revival, Cigar Store Indians.
• Mercury Lounge: Gabriel Kelley Band.
• The Ritz: Trances Arc, Ruse.
• Tasty World: Jon Harris & the Sin Hounds, Leru.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Sabo & the Scorchers.

Saturday:
• Amici: Lionz.
• Caledonia: I Am the World Trade Center, Push Button, Fabulous Bird.
• DT's: Dr. Louis Sullivan, Year of You.
• Farm 255: Bart King & the Fair Shakes.
• Georgia Theatre: Allgood, Nathan Sheppard.
• JR's Baitshack: The Holman Autry Band.
• Last Call: Cinjed, Lakeside, Suburban Camoflauge
• Mercury Lounge: Would-Be Farmers.
• Nuci's Space: Wesley Cook, Andrew Nelson & the Shotgun Lovers, Timber.
• Tasty World: Whim, Misfortune 500, Maggie Smith, Taylor Combs.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Poolstick.

Music Business showcase

First Annual Music Business Showcase will be at the Melting Point April 6, 2006

Athens, GA – March 28, 2006 -- The University of Georgia’s new Music Business Certificate Program will have a showcase of artists and bands at the Melting Point April 6, 2006. The showcase will feature an eclectic mix of Athens’ up-coming bands recently promoted by students and is a free event open to the public. In January, the first 28 students of the program divided into groups and formed five, small Student Run Record Labels (SRRL). After going throug! h the process of Artist and Repertoire (A&R), building a press kit, booking, and promoting a band, the final step for the SRRLs is to have their artist or band perform for the public. Five bands are scheduled to perform today at 5 p.m.: Octavious Robot, Hey Revolution!, Brantley Jones, Maggie Smith, and the Josh Taylor Band.

The Terry College of Business and Hugh Hodgson School of Music formed the Music Business Certificate Program in hopes of developing the next generation of music business leaders. Bruce Burch and Steve Dancz, Co-Administrative Directors of the new program, wanted students to experience the intricacies of artist development by managing a band fr! om the beginning of their professional careers. ...

“It [the SRRL] was an amazing learning process that allowed me to experience more than a textbook could have,” Nikki Maldonado, a third year from Warner-Robbins, GA stated about her first experience managing a band. Success in the music business requires a broad array of knowledge from a variety of diverse fields; teamwork, dedication, and organization have allowed the students to learn, first-hand, the ins and outs of the music
business. Maldonado noticed that “[T]here is a l! ot more work in the music industry that I took for granted once before. The textbook only dictates what work needs to be done, but hands-on experience with a band is a lot more arduous than I expected. Somehow, the more work I have to do for an artist, no matter how meticulous, the more I become more enthused about what I’m doing.”

The five bands will have the chance to perform one song in front of not only their local audience, but also label representatives. The showcase will be recorded and released on DVD upon completion, and feedback will be given to the five student run record labels. Athens music enthusiasts are welcome to join the Music Business Program for the Showcase. Maldonado states: “[T]he concert not only represents my appreciation for music, but also the method of business I someday hope to have an impact upon. I have moved from an unconscious concert attendee to a smart businesswoman.”

The First Annual Music Business Showcase will certainly please both crowds and the first class of UGA’s Music Business Certificate Program. The show starts at 5pm April 6, 2006 at the Melting Point.

Get out and get down

• Boar's Head: Matt Wink.
• Caledonia: Packway Handle Band, Cordero, Tin Cup Prophette.
• Classic Center: Nickel Creek.
• DT's: Fish Position, Strawberry Nixon.
• Farm 255: Tino Garrido.
• Flicker: Nic Goodson.
• 40 Watt: Stellastarr*, Editors, The Mobius Band.
• Georgia Theatre: Billy Currington, Brantley Gilbert.
• Last Call: Abbey Road Live, Wesley Cook, Leru.
• Lunch Paper: Empty Face, Lunch.
• Melting Point: "Beat the Drum" with Arvin Scott and Sunny Ortiz.
• No Where Bar: Thelonious.
• Tasty World: Overwhelmed, Sovus Radio, Chris Cauley, The Futurists.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Beyond Tomorrow.

Happy birthday

Just wanted to note that R.E.M.'s first show was 26 years ago today at the old church on Oconee Street.

Plenty of offerings for hump day

• Caledonia: Day Mars Ray, Captain #1, Dodd Ferrelle.
• DT's: Brennan Johnson, Josh Pierce.
• Farm 255: Natalie Dickerson Jazz Quintet.
• Flicker: Lonesome Dan Kase.
• 40 Watt: Bo Bedingfield and the Wydelles, Telegram.
• Georgia Theatre: Chris Cauley.
• Last Call: Euphoria Morning, The Holman Autry Band, My Friend's Band.
• Tasty World (downstairs): IKON: Fulturn Jones, Extra Blue Kind.
• Tasty World (upstairs): Deep Dark Wednesday with Honky, Thunder King, Brgr Trsh.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Kip Jones.

R.E.M. in the Georgia Music HOF

R.E.M. will be inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame this September. More to come later, but the press release is on the jump...

ATLANTA - April 3, 2006 - A talented and diverse group of Georgians highlight the 2006 inductees to the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

The 28th Annual Awards Banquet, to be held Saturday, Sept. 16 in the Thomas B. Murphy Ballroom of the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, will recognize five artists who have made significant contributions to Georgia's music industry. The banquet is held each year by the Friends of Georgia Music Festival, Inc. and the Senate Music Industry Committee.

"This year's banquet promises to be one of the most exciting ever because of the amazing lineup of honorees," said Dr. Bobbie Bailey, chairman of the Friends of Georgia Music Festival, Inc. "This annual event allows us to shine the spotlight on our state's wonderful music industry, and the talented and creative people who have made Georgia a hub for music of all types."

Athens-based alternative rock group R.E.M. will be honored in the Group category. R.E.M. was formed in 1980 in Athens by Michael Stipe (vocals), Bill Berry (drums), Peter Buck (guitar) and Mike Mills (bass). By the early 1990s, the band was one of the world's most popular, respected and influential bands. The band's success cemented Athens' place on the national radar as a hub for alternative music.

The 2006 honoree in the Performer category is Gregg Allman. Gregg rose to prominence as the lead singer, organist and songwriter for the Allman Brothers Band, founded in 1969 in Macon. The classic Southern rock band had many chart-topping hits written by Allman, including "Whipping Post" and "Midnight Rider." He also emerged as a solo artist, releasing the critically acclaimed album "Laid Back," which launched a solo tour and subsequent live album that was also a success.

In the Non-Performer group, Columbus-born Dallas Austin is the 2006 inductee. Austin is an accomplished all-around talent whose resume includes both music and film production. He has worked with a wide variety of artists, from legendary acts such as Aretha Franklin, George Clinton, Michael Jackson and Madonna to today's stars such as Usher, Pink and Gwen Stefani. Austin has produced more than 50 hit singles, and in 2000 captured a GRAMMY® Award for producing the year's top R&B Album, "Fanmail," by TLC. In 2002, he produced his first major motion picture, "Drumline," shot almost exclusively in Georgia. His latest movie project, "The ATL," hit theaters on March 31.

Atlanta-based music mogul Jermaine Dupri will be honored in the 2006 Songwriter category. Dupri's accomplishments are almost too numerous to list, though his most impressive achievement may have been producing the best-selling albums of both 2004 and 2005. The 2004 blockbuster album "Confessions" by Usher sold more than nine million copies and earned the GRAMMY® for Best Contemporary R&B Album. Mariah Carey's comeback classic "The Emancipation of Mimi" sold more than five million copies, and earned four nominations and three awards at the 48th Annual GRAMMY® Awards. Dupri has produced, written and/or recorded 19 songs that reached No. 1 on the R&B charts. At just 19 years of age, Dupri founded music label So So Def based in Atlanta. In 2005, he took over the reigns of Virgin Records' Urban Music Division and brought So So Def with him to add to Virgin's roster. He has also opened an Atlanta restaurant, Café Dupri, and has teamed with Cartier to design a high-end line of eyewear that gives a portion of sales proceeds to the Atlanta Community Food Bank and City of Refuge.

Prolific songwriter Felice Bryant is the 2006 honoree in the Posthumous category. Though she was born in Milwaukee,Bryant settled in Moultrie with her songwriting teammate and husband Boudleaux Bryant, a 1982 Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee. The Bryants wrote hits for some of country music's most famous legends, including Little Jimmy Dickens, Eddy Arnold and Jim Reeves. However, their success in the country music industry was overshadowed when the team partnered with the Everly Brothers and wrote legendary rock-and-roll hits such as "Bye Bye Love" and "Wake Up Little Susie." The partnership resulted in numerous classics, and a song originally written for the Everly Brothers called "Raining In My Heart" was eventually recorded by Buddy Holly during his final recording session in 1958. The Bryants' work lives on today, as their classic tune "Rocky Top" was adopted as the state song of Tennessee in 1982. Felice Bryant died at the age of 77 on April 22, 2003.

Tickets are available now for the 28th Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards Banquet. Tickets to the show include an invitation to the Governor's Reception, an elegant dinner and an evening of great Georgia music and entertainment. Individual seats or tables of ten are available. The prices range from $75 to $100 for individual seats and from $750 to $1,000 for tables. Those interested should call 770.934.0906.

The Georgia Music of Hall of Fame is a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). GDEcD is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. For more information, visit www.georgia.org

For old time's sake

In case you hadn't heard yet, Bill Berry joined Michael, Peter and Mike on stage Saturday night at the Georgia Theatre and played bass on a nice rendition of "Country Feedback." It was entertaining standing in the back of the club during the opening act, watching the R.E.M. members (including Bertis and officer staffers) filter in and hug each other like they hadn't seen each other in years. It was the final night of the Minus 5 tour, one of Peter's side bands. Photos here and here.

Getting caught up

I found a DBT MP3, "Gravity's Gone" (a Cooley ditty) while perusing Filter.

Of Montreal's most recent 40 Watt gig gets reviewed here.

Rock-journalist Jesse Jarnow (Rolling Stone, Relix) has a blog. He discusses Elf Power here.

Sloan Simpson was standing in the sweet spot taping Centro-matic last week and wasted no time before sharing it with the world.

Interpol does not plan to give back Michael Stipe's tape recorder.

DTB is not the chant of a dyslexic Trucker fan. The Red & Black has the scoop on the Derek Trucks Band here. Incidentally, Mr. Trucks will be in Eric Clapton's band during their European tour this May. ...Still need more? A recent interview here.

Of Montreal's recent 40 Watt appearance reviewed here.

Ralph Roddenberry and Dubconscious will be performing at Smilefest 12 this June in Lake Toxaway, N.C. Perhaps they should consider renaming the lake? For more news go here.

He's become "all bling and boring." Read the PopMatters review of Bubba Sparxxx latest album, "The Charm" here and then read the interview here.

I had my first Melting Point experience last weekend. Jacksonville's favorite sons, Mofro, performed a set of their swamp-cracker standards and were definitely pleased with the reception in Athens. A hug that nearly became a strangle when JJ Grey let the crowd know how happy he was that Florida had won earlier that evening. As the boos rained he shook his head, smiled, and defused the suation, saying, "At least I don't care that much to get pissed-off about it." The highlights? When Grey pontificated about the virtues of a voluptuous woman, the Stevie Wonder cover, and when my friend ate the spinach and artichoke dip abandoned by a group that left to dance when the music started. They never came back and the waiter was about to clear it. Nice save Henry. The Melting Point is a slick venue that appears to be carving itself a comfortable niche in this town. When Better Homes and Gardens meets High Times (and there's shrimp bisque on the menu) you can't go wrong.

Pop, rap or metal

• Caledonia: We Vs. The Shark, Casper & the Cookies, Voxtrot.
• 40 Watt: Pnuma Trio, Collective Efforts, Psyche Origami.
• Tasty World: A Silence Falls Between Us, Sudden Death, Kill LeBaron, Organ.